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New Defender's Study Bible Notes
29:2 did that which was right. The early years of Hezekiah’s reign were spent largely in trying to undo the evil that his father Ahaz had done. In his very first month (II Chronicles 29:3), he began extensive cleansing of the temple, under the direction of the most spiritual and capable priests and Levites. This phase of the restoration was accomplished in just sixteen days (II Chronicles 29:17).
29:20 Then Hezekiah the king. Once the temple had been cleansed, the worship services in the temple, with the offerings and the singing could begin. King Hezekiah himself took the lead in arranging and insisting that all be done in accordance with God’s instructions to David through His prophets (II Chronicles 29:25-27).
29:24 all Israel. Twice in this verse is reference made to “all Israel,” not just Judah. These had been traumatic times in Israel, under the onslaughts of the Assyrians and many in the ten northern tribes had escaped south into Judah. Hezekiah probably also had in mind the ultimate reconciliation and reunion of all twelve tribes; hence the offering was said to be for all of them.
29:27 the song of the LORD began. It is significant that the songs could not begin before the offerings. Atonement for sin must precede rejoicing for salvation.
29:35 was set in order. Thus, in fairly short order (“suddenly”—II Chronicles 29:36), the temple had been opened and cleansed, the priests and Levites restored to their God-ordained service, and the regular temple worship activities restored. It was no doubt because of Hezekiah’s zeal in reviving the prescribed worship activities that God preserved Judah’s independence for another century. At this time, the Assyrians were destroying and devastating the ten-tribe northern kingdom.